Dodge Caliber's outward appearance is the first thing that hits you. When I say it hits you, it is not painful, but it is startling how a small car can exude such a powerful exterior presence.
"Wow," encompasses many of the first impressions from co-workers and the general public who felt the same immediate reaction to the aggressive looks of Caliber that I had first felt. Yes, looks are not everything, but they are essential to getting to the next level with potential buyers.
As Dodge touts Caliber as a global vehicle, those potential buyers are certain to be across all demographics - in addition to several continents. Deservedly, this car gets its props from fans of its exterior design as well as the interior utility.
Pricing for the base model Caliber starts at $13,900 and moves up to $19,425 for the R/T AWD, my test model. For Dodge's small entry-level vehicle, the Caliber pricing is perfect. My tester had some great options such as the Music Gate Power System; chrome wheels and a leather interior that took the total up to $23,765. Even at this price point, it is a bargain compared to much of the competition in this class.
Those chrome wheels I mentioned offered additional impact to the already high-impact exterior design. I love the strength and aggressiveness the fender treatments offer as well as the signature cross-hair grille.
Inside the Caliber you will find an inviting and highly functional cabin and dash instrumentation. Sure there are some "plasticy" portions of the dash and some accents that remind you this is an entry-level vehicle, but you will quickly get past that when you open up the huge power sunroof (optional) or engage the amazing audio system.
Gauge clusters are clean and sight lines are great. Seating is for five, though four adults will be most comfortable. Rear passengers said they had plenty of legroom and everyone appreciated the leather seating.
Other features, which will be appreciated by Caliber owners, are
My favorite feature in the Caliber was the aforementioned MusicGate Power Sound System. This innovative option features a 9-speaker system anchored by a subwoofer premium sound package with two articulating speakers in the lift gate. Tailgaters will love the fact these speakers can be swung out toward the parking lot festivities. Another feature worthy of praise is the self-charging headliner light in the cargo area that can be removed for use as a flashlight. Why more manufacturers do not offer this feature is beyond me.
My Caliber had a great sound system and featured the optional Sirius Satellite Radio system. This system delivers hundreds of categorized stations that range from Old Time Radio Classics and E! television broadcasts to five sports channels and stations dedicated to entire decades: 60s; 70's; 80s.
While my R/T tester had the upgrade 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DOHC power plant offering a reasonable 172 horsepower, the Caliber has two smaller engines: the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 148 hp; a 2.0-liter 4-banger delivers 158 hp .
Mated to the power plant is a five-speed manual, automatic w/AutoStick or the high-performing Continuously Variable Transmission that was on my R/T tester. You may choose Caliber with either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration in SE, SXT and R/T trims.
I thought my Caliber offered a crisp feel and smooth shifts in all circumstances on the road. Fuel economy was at 23 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. With this kind of fuel economy and the interior features, not to mention highly functional utility, the Caliber competes with compact sedans as well as the ultra popular small SUVs.
Standard safety equipment includes dual front and side-curtain airbags as well as optional highlights such as Electronic Stability Control, side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, inflatable knee blocker. Of special note is Caliber's Enhanced Accident Response System that, in the event of an accident, automatically shuts down fuel to the engine, unlocks the doors and turns on the interior lights to aid emergency personnel.
Little things like the additional safety features and big things like the exterior design and amazing audio options make Caliber a vehicle the competition will have a hard time competing with unless they raise their bar. All of this is great for the consumer.
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